Phoenix Suns swept: Frank Vogel's next move, Big 3 and more

By Muhammad Fahad

| Published Apr 29, 2024 | 11:32 a.m.

Frank Vogel walked into the home locker room at Footprint Center feeling upset. His Phoenix Suns had just suffered a massive defeat against the LA Clippers on April 9. They fell into a staggering 35-4 deficit, and Vogel couldn't contain his frustration. His loud voice echoed from the locker room, but the players didn't respond as expected. They found his outburst forced and out of cha

racter. The next day, during the shootaround in Los Angeles, Vogel continued his tirade, leaving some players rolling their eyes.

This disappointment culminated on Sunday when the Suns were swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a valiant effort in Game 4, where Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 82 points, the Suns couldn't avoid defeat. Built around star players like Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns aimed for their first championship but fell short. The team struggled to find its identity throughout the season, leading to doubts about Vogel's leadership.

While the trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal failed to perform consistently in the playoffs, the responsibility ultimately fell on Vogel's shoulders. Sources suggest that the Suns are contemplating a coaching change or adjustments to Vogel's staff. Despite Vogel's confidence in his return for the next season, the organization is evaluating its options.

Phoenix Suns swept

Vogel, hired less than a year ago, brought strong credentials to the Suns. With experience leading teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers to deep playoff runs, he seemed like the right fit. However, the Suns struggled to find consistency under his guidance. Despite improvements defensively, the team often lacked cohesion and struggled to maintain focus.

Several factors contributed to the Suns' disappointing season. The absence of a pure point guard and a defensive stopper exposed weaknesses in the roster. Despite the high-profile acquisitions of Durant and Beal, the team lacked depth and failed to address key positions adequately. The offensive strategies devised by Vogel's coaching staff often left star players feeling underutilized and frustrated.

Durant, in particular, voiced concerns about his role in the offense, feeling marginalized at times. Booker, known for his leadership and competitive spirit, seemed less engaged than usual, raising questions about the team's internal dynamics. The lack of on-court chemistry among the big three further compounded the Suns' struggles.

Looking ahead, the Suns face tough decisions in the offseason. With limited salary cap space and few assets for trades, the team's options for roster improvements are limited. Retaining key players like Allen and O'Neale while addressing the team's deficiencies will be crucial for the Suns' success next season. Additionally, Booker will need to step up as a leader and return to his dominant form on the court.

As the Suns reflect on their disappointing season, they must address internal issues and make strategic moves to rebuild for the future. The offseason presents an opportunity for the organization to regroup and make necessary changes to return to championship contention.